The Cell bar remains closed for at least another 30 days

YOUNGSTOWN — The judge who closed a lower Belmont Avenue bar and declared it a public nuisance has ordered it to remain boarded up and padlocked in the near future.

Judge John M. Durkin canceled a hearing that had been scheduled for today on the city’s request for a preliminary injunction against The Cell, a bar at 221 Belmont Ave. that operated in the shadows of the Mahoning County jail.

Based on underage drinking complaints, the city had the bar boarded up and padlocked Jan. 8 after it requested and received a temporary restraining order from Judge Durkin.

Noting that the city and bar owner Jason Moore “have engaged in discussions that may lead to the resolution of this action while still furthering public policy,” the judge stayed all proceedings and held the case in abeyance for up to 30 days.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com